RuPaul Enlists Willow Smith to Star as Him in TV Movie about His Life

Back in March, it was announced that J.J. Abrams is slated to produce a television movie based on RuPaul’s life. Although it’s been a few months since we’ve heard any news about the film, RuPaul wants everyone to know that he has the perfect candidate in mind.

According to Page Six, the drag legend sat down to speak about the upcoming movie and share who he has in mind for the role. “Next is a TV movie about me,” he confirmed to NewYork Post’s Cindy Adams. “Not filmed yet. No title yet. Not cast yet. I won’t play me. It’s maybe Willow Smith.”

The suggestion was a surprise to the interviewer, as she confirmed the age of the young actress to RuPaul and suggested she would be too young for the role. However, RuPaul didn’t seem fazed by Willow’s age and continued to confirm his choice. “Please. I’m doing this a hundred years. At least she’s a biological female. And I don’t need someone bitchy. I’m not. I’m sassy. There’s a kindness in me. I’m really a sweetheart.”

The Emmy-winning actor/producer also shared some details about the upcoming movie, stating the film won’t highlight the 1980’s New York grit that everyone else is used to. “This is about my New York life in the ’80s. Interview magazine in those days was my Bible. I grew up in San Diego wanting to be Andy Warhol,” RuPaul said. “No grim storyline about white guys sniffing white powder. It’s the Yellow Brick Road. Wanting to go to six different clubs every night.”

He also explained that the format is still up in the air, and how the TV movie will be released. “Networks are bidding on the project now. A one-hour show is 42 minutes. A streaming service is an hour. Until we know which, we haven’t started shooting. J.J. Abrams is behind it.”

According to Deadline, RuPaul will serve as executive producer alongside Bad Robot’s Abrams and Ben Stephenson, as well as World of Wonder’s Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, and Tom Campbell. Power executive producer Gary Lennon is slated to pen the script for the 80’s era drama.

RuPaul, whose full name is RuPaul Andre Charles, first came on the scene back in the early 90’s where he began performing in local clubs in New York City – and became a popular attraction due to his colorful acts and fierce personality. After creating success from his hit single “Supermodel (You Better Work)”, RuPaul took his talents to the small and silver screens, appearing in Spike Lee’s Crooklyn, The Brady Bunch Movie, Sister, Sister, Ugly Betty, and 2 Broke Girls. RuPaul went on to create and produce shows including The RuPaul Show for VH1 and RuPaul’s Drag Race, now heading into its ninth season. The series earned RuPaul an Emmy in 2016, along with several award nominations.

As for Willow, the young Hollywood star has had her fair share of screen time. The daughter of actor/rapper Will Smith and actress Jada Pinkett-Smith, Willow has appeared in several films and TV shows including I Am Legend, Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, Madagascar, and True Jackson, VP.